Anaphylaxis reactions to two chemos and scared!

shellbell1963

I had my chemo tried on Tuesday, I say tried caused if had an anaphylaxis reactions to two types they tried. I was suppose to be given Herceptin because I was ER. PR and Her2 positive. They oncologist said to come back the next day to do the Herceptin. I was so stressed out by what had happened to me the day before that I made my mind up to refuse treatment. The doctor said this wasn't a good idea and said give it some more thought and wait a week and come back. Me waiting for another week would have only been more difficult for me. Me and my husband asked the doctor what is the chance that this cancer would come back or migrated on somewhere else. He said he didn't know if might or might not. I sat there for 15 mins and debated what am I going to do. Did I have a choice? Its my life but I don't know what decision is the right one. I decided to try the Herceptin, even though I was scared to death. I am scheduled on the May 1st to try another chemo but will be so scared to do that too. I don't feel well today from all the premeds, chemo and Herceptin. They gave me so much steroids, benedryl, Pepcid and God knows what else. I am so upset by all of this and crying isn't helping. Does the medical profession know what they are doing with me or am I just a guinea pig?

ICanDoThis

Oh, I am so sorry this happened to you.
I would be terrified too.
But, they do know what they are doing - that's why they knew what to give you when you had the anaphylaxis.

What chemo caused the problem? For example, if it was Taxol, the issue is usually the medium that the medication is in --- it comes in another form, Abraxane, which doesn't have nearly the same potential for allergic reactions -- that insurance companies don't like to pay for because it is much more expensive, but this would definitely be an alternative.

But, it is better to treat HER+ cancer with chemo - it makes the Herceptin work much better.

If you would feel more comfortable, you might want to get a second opinion from another doctor, just to see if they agree with your current doc.

Please keep posting here. We will be here for you

Alicethecat

Hi Shellbell

I am so sorry to hear what you have been experiencing.

In case it is any help, the only way I could have Herceptin was by having Piriton, an antihistamine, in the drip beforehand. Without it, I ended up in ER with heart and muscle pains.

However, 18 treatments later I am doing well and finished treatment nine months ago.

Is Piriton an option you could ask your once about?

Best wishes

Alice